Victor Osimhen and Mohammed Salah
Nigeria, Egypt Renew AFCON Rivalry in Cairo Friendly Ahead of Morocco 2025 Showpiece
Three-time champions Nigeria and seven-time title holders Egypt will reignite their historic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) rivalry tonight as both teams clash in a high-profile international friendly match at the Cairo Stadium, serving as final preparations for the 35th AFCON finals in Morocco kicking off on Sunday.
The encounter offers both coaches the chance to assess squad depth and blood new faces ahead of the continental showpiece. Super Eagles coach Eric Sékou Chelle is expected to test several newcomers, including goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed, Tochukwu Nnadi and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, as well as forwards Paul Onuachu and Salim Fago Lawal.
On the opposite bench, Pharaohs coach Hossam Hassan, an AFCON legend who scored seven goals in Egypt’s victorious 1998 AFCON campaign in Burkina Faso, is likely to shape his strategy around Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, who remains in pursuit of his first AFCON title despite a glittering club career.
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Egypt’s squad also features Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Emam Ashour, and Mahmoud Trezeguet, alongside CAF Champions League winners Pyramids FC duo Mohamed Hamdy and Mostafa Fathi, UAE-based Ibrahim Adel, and FC Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed.
For Nigeria, Chelle is expected to rely on established stars such as goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Zaidu Sanusi, midfield enforcers Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, and an attacking trio of Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
The highly anticipated Nigeria vs Egypt friendly will kick off at 8pm Egypt time (7pm Nigeria time), providing fans with a tantalising preview of what to expect when Africa’s giants collide at AFCON Morocco 2025.
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